Odisha to submit fresh proposal for Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project amid tender setback

Bhubaneswar, India (Metro Rail Today): The Odisha government is set to submit a revised proposal for the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project after the recent cancellation of its earlier tender, which was floated in March this year. The tender, intended to appoint a turnkey contractor for the first phase, was cancelled due to technical and financial concerns, sparking the need for a fresh and more refined approach.

The new proposal is expected to align with updated guidelines from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and will incorporate feedback received during the initial bidding process. Officials from the Odisha Metro Rail Corporation (OMRC) confirmed that the revised documentation will address key concerns raised by bidders and streamline the procurement strategy to attract greater participation.

The first phase of the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, spanning 26 km from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Trisulia, is being positioned as a transformative initiative for urban mobility in Odisha. The estimated cost of the project is around ₹6,255 crore, with the state government as the sole funding agency.

The cancellation of the earlier tender had raised concerns about delays and execution challenges. However, state authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring timely execution, with renewed focus on compliance, cost-efficiency, and attracting top-tier engineering firms.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, welcomed the move to rework the proposal, stating:
"Odisha’s decision to revisit the tender and submit a revised proposal for the Bhubaneswar Metro is both pragmatic and progressive. Large-scale urban transport projects demand not just financial planning but technical foresight. The metro will be a game-changer for Bhubaneswar's urban growth, and a well-structured, competitive procurement process is essential to realise its full potential."

She further noted that Odisha’s metro plan could act as a template for other Tier-II cities aspiring to develop modern, sustainable mass transit systems, especially if executed with transparency and strategic clarity.

The revised proposal is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks, after which a fresh tendering process will begin. If all goes as planned, construction work could commence by mid-2026, making the Bhubaneswar Metro one of eastern India’s most anticipated infrastructure developments.